August 04, 2017

Ramblings about Woodpeckers

The focus for me this last 3 weeks or so has been Great-spotted Woodpeckers, a bird that deserves more attention not only by me but other photographers who don't seem to focus - there is a pun there - on them, either. Is that because they are hard to photograph? I dont really think so. I have been putting peanuts out on a log and as many as 5 different individulas have visited regularly - who knows, perhaps even more than 5, but at least 2 juveniles together and 2 males, again together and one solitary female. There is a dead isolated tree which is nothing but a 15 foot high trunk riddled with holes made by the birds, it is their "go to" tree. They come down to the nuts and usually take them back to the tree, stuff them in to one of the pre-drilled holes and then feed on them at their leaisure. This is interesting to see them use the tree to also store food. On my visit yesterday it was interesting to see one of the juveniles fly on to the stump where previously nuts had been on other days. It seemed really ticked off that there were no nuts there today, it bobbed around excitedly before flying to the stump close to me where the freebies were. Proving behond doubt that woodpeckers have a memory! The new "table" is going to be a really good opportunity for good photos, yesterday it was a little bit obscurred by foliage which I have now cleared away. Never the less it was thrilling when the juvenile landed and I took some great photos which filled the frame. The little hide is perfect, it's supported by stout cross poles and then covered with conifer branches from the forest completely covering it looking like a small bush. It's important that it blends in perfectly with the habitat not only for the obvious reason but also because at a casual glance any passing walker will miss it and as it happens, any passing Roe Dear because when I emerged yesterday there about 50 meters was a lovely buck. It froze and stared in my direction without moving, I did the same and we were in a stand off situation. I have read that their eyes are good but they percieve things in a different way and detect movement in a much more effective way than humans, as long as you stay still they will usually remain and stare at you trying to work out what you are. Make the slightest movement and off they go.

This area is a great habitat for Crossbills and they can be heard regularly throuout the day. high in the conifers. They have a need to drink regularly and in the past I have been fortunate enough to photograph them low down and on the ground. I have prepared a pool to collect rain water in the hope that I can encourage them to use it and give me a good photo opportunity.

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Ramblings about Woodpeckers

The focus for me this last 3 weeks or so has been Great-spotted Woodpeckers, a bird that deserves more attention not only by me but other photographers who don't seem to focus - there is a pun there - on them, either. Is that because they are hard to photograph? I dont really think so. I have been putting peanuts out on a log and as many as 5 different individulas have visited regularly - who knows, perhaps even more than 5, but at least 2 juveniles together and 2 males, again together and one solitary female. There is a dead isolated tree which is nothing but a 15 foot high trunk riddled with holes made by the birds, it is their "go to" tree. They come down to the nuts and usually take them back to the tree, stuff them in to one of the pre-drilled holes and then feed on them at their leaisure. This is interesting to see them use the tree to also store food. On my visit yesterday it was interesting to see one of the juveniles fly on to the stump where previously nuts had been on other days. It seemed really ticked off that there were no nuts there today, it bobbed around excitedly before flying to the stump close to me where the freebies were. Proving behond doubt that woodpeckers have a memory! The new "table" is going to be a really good opportunity for good photos, yesterday it was a little bit obscurred by foliage which I have now cleared away. Never the less it was thrilling when the juvenile landed and I took some great photos which filled the frame. The little hide is perfect, it's supported by stout cross poles and then covered with conifer branches from the forest completely covering it looking like a small bush. It's important that it blends in perfectly with the habitat not only for the obvious reason but also because at a casual glance any passing walker will miss it and as it happens, any passing Roe Dear because when I emerged yesterday there about 50 meters was a lovely buck. It froze and stared in my direction without moving, I did the same and we were in a stand off situation. I have read that their eyes are good but they percieve things in a different way and detect movement in a much more effective way than humans, as long as you stay still they will usually remain and stare at you trying to work out what you are. Make the slightest movement and off they go.

This area is a great habitat for Crossbills and they can be heard regularly throuout the day. high in the conifers. They have a need to drink regularly and in the past I have been fortunate enough to photograph them low down and on the ground. I have prepared a pool to collect rain water in the hope that I can encourage them to use it and give me a good photo opportunity.